1.1 million shoplifters stole more than $189 million worth of goods in 2012, according to the 25^th Annual Retail Theft Survey conducted by loss prevention consultancy firm Jack L. Hayes International. The 23 large retail companies that participated in the survey reported more than 70,000 dishonest employees – 5.5 percent more than in 2011 – and managed to recover nearly $50 million from apprehensions.

Industry experts estimate the value of organized retail theft industry anywhere between $15 billion [...]